Omar Gonzalez, Timmy Chandler start for U.S. at Honduras

By -
Associated Press -
Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Omar Gonzalez replaced captain Carlos Bocanegra in central defense for the United States’ World Cup qualifier at Honduras on Wednesday, and Timmy Chandler was in the starting lineup to play right back in his competitive debut for the Americans.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard was the captain for the match in San Pedro Sula as the Americans opened the final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Chandler took over on the right from Steve Cherundolo, sidelined by a knee injury.

Chandler, a 22-year-old with an American father and German mother, had been eligible to play for both nations. He made nine previous appearances for the Americans, all in exhibitions, and by appearing in a competitive match for the U.S. he became ineligible to play for any other country under FIFA rules.

Gonzalez, a 6-foot-4 defender for the Los Angeles Galaxy, was the only holdover in the starting lineup from last week’s 0-0 tie against Canada in an exhibition at Houston. That marked his return to the national team following a two-year absence partly caused by a torn left anterior cruciate ligament. He was paired with Cameron in the center of the backline, and Fabian Johnson was on the left.

Danny Williams, Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Eddie Johnson were in a four-man midfield, and Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore were at forward.